Mark Everett Ruffner

Mark Everett Ruffner, born May 31, 1957, in Tacoma, Washington, passed away on March 15, 2026, at the age of 68, after a courageous battle with cancer. He died in the city where he was born, having lived a quietly beautiful life in Tacoma.

Mark was a humble gardener at heart. Whether he was planting flowers, tending his beds, or coaxing something new out of the soil, he was happiest with dirt under his fingernails and the sun on his back. He had a great affinity for birds, and his garden was as much a sanctuary for them as it was for him. He could be relied upon to identify one by its call, often pausing mid-conversation to do so.  His love for rocks added another quiet dimension to his outdoor world, and he could often be found arranging stones or admiring and polishing specimens he had collected over the years.

His favorite place on earth was Kalaloch, nestled within Olympic National Park, where the wild coastline and towering trees spoke to something deep in his soul. He was a man who always had an obscure music lyric or movie quote for every situation, and his favorite music came straight from the 1970s. If you spent any time around Mark, you walked away with an old song stuck in your head you hadn't heard in years. He was thoughtful in the truest sense of the word, always noticing the small things that most people overlooked. He loved his dog Buffy and his bestest pal Cooper with the kind of devotion that only a good-hearted person can give. He was also adored by his gaggle of neighborhood ladies and many friends, who counted on his humor, generous spirit and gardening advice.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Marilyn and Norman Ruffner. He is survived by his daughter, Amanda Kurriger, who carries forward his gentle heart and love of life's simple pleasures. Mark was one of 11 siblings (some on the other side awaiting his arrival) and many nieces and nephews who he adored. Mark lived with a quiet faith, and we trust that he now rests peacefully in God's care, reunited with his mama who he loved so very much and hopefully having one hell of a fishing trip with his dad and brothers Micheal and Dana.    His garden may go still for a season, but the seeds he planted in the lives of others will continue to bloom for years to come.

Details regarding a memorial service will be shared with family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Mark's memory might consider spending a quiet moment in a garden, listening to the birds, just as he would have wanted. Donations to the Franciscan Hospice House, where he peacefully and lovingly spent his final days, would also be a fitting tribute to him!